Over the weekend I got to watch the documentary Darkon, which is about Baltimore live action role play (or LARP, for those who nyerd out on that kinda thing), and it was chalk full of the pasty, chubby geeks you'd have expected run around on soccer fields waving nerf swords. Of course, if it was just that simple there wouldn't be much of a film.
For anybody who is not familiar with the Dungeons & Dragons and Ren Faire world, this film is a required course. You may not understand the mechanics of those games, but the culture and lifestyle of the fantasy hobbyist are really the focus. Having played miniature and role playing games (with dice, never dressing up) at the onset of puberty, I am keenly aware of the geek realm that exists - hell, even Famous Ex used to dress up for the Ren Faire to sell homemade wares and LARP a game called Vampire. But for all my experience and interaction, I do not remotely stack up (thank God) to the subjects of the film, who have full blown nyerd disease.
There's the former stripper who's also a single mom...and living in her parent's basement. There's the guy who practices swordfighting...against his closet door. There's the fat kid who is a barrista at Starbucks...who can only summon the courage to talk to a girl in the game. And there's the leader of a rebel, insurgent faction...who is a stay at home dad.
For anybody who is not familiar with the Dungeons & Dragons and Ren Faire world, this film is a required course. You may not understand the mechanics of those games, but the culture and lifestyle of the fantasy hobbyist are really the focus. Having played miniature and role playing games (with dice, never dressing up) at the onset of puberty, I am keenly aware of the geek realm that exists - hell, even Famous Ex used to dress up for the Ren Faire to sell homemade wares and LARP a game called Vampire. But for all my experience and interaction, I do not remotely stack up (thank God) to the subjects of the film, who have full blown nyerd disease.
There's the former stripper who's also a single mom...and living in her parent's basement. There's the guy who practices swordfighting...against his closet door. There's the fat kid who is a barrista at Starbucks...who can only summon the courage to talk to a girl in the game. And there's the leader of a rebel, insurgent faction...who is a stay at home dad.
The first reaction is to slam these geeks for the silly pursuit of Darkon, but you can't. They know they're outcasts and dorks. And you can't feel sorry for them either, because in spite of that self awareness, they are happily continuing the game - and all of them talk about how Darkon is not only an escape from their real life persona, but that it has bolstered them as well.
It is frighteningly serious how they play the game and prepare, and goofy or not, you have to respect them for their dedication. If you have seen any of the other many docs on specific subjects like Scrabble, spelling bees, or wheelchair rugby, it is a fascinating look at a small part of life that others completely immerse themselves in.
It is frighteningly serious how they play the game and prepare, and goofy or not, you have to respect them for their dedication. If you have seen any of the other many docs on specific subjects like Scrabble, spelling bees, or wheelchair rugby, it is a fascinating look at a small part of life that others completely immerse themselves in.
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